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The PMC Year of Missions is all about fulfilling our God given mandate in global missions. To this end, we encourage every member and worshipper at PMC to embark on a short-term mission trip in 2011
Short term trips give a glimpse of what missions in foreign fields is all about and have tremendous influence in impacting people into going into missions. Here are some of the benfits of short-term trips:
A better understanding of what it is like in other countries. You realise that other countries and cultures are different from ours. That other people have different ways of looking at life and doing things. Your thinking will expand to consider other ways of doing things which you have never have before.
A better understanding of people and their needs. You find out that people, though they may look different, are the same all over the world. They have the same feelings,hopes and desires -- they are human just like you are.
A greater appreciation for what you have at home. Most people will have a more thankful attitude, and less desire to complain about their life, after a mission trip. Most of us have felt sorry for ourselves for insignificant things. We are more apt to realise this after seeing what people in other places face.
More empathy for missionaries and the problems they face. When you experience it, you know what it is like. You will have a greater compassion and concern and be more willing to help.
More oriented to outreach when you return home, because of doing it there. People are usually more inhibited around those they know. When they travel to a distant place where no one knows them, they can more easily overcome those inhibitions. Once you realise you can witness, and pray for people there, it is easier to continue doing it when you return home.
A greater vision for missions. When you see the need first-hand, people there are not just statistics, but real people you know and care about. Therefore, you are much more likely to pray and to give your best.
A greater commitment to Christ and His plan. Doing work of God, and seeing results, is like starting a fire. It is natural for it to continue and grow large. Once you get a taste for it, you want more.
Advancement of the Kingdom of God. Souls are usually won of Christ, churches are strengthened, pastors and missionaries are encourages, by those taking short-term mission trips. Even if you were just helping to build a church building, organising a children's programme, teaching English, fixing computers or supporting others in an outreach event, you still were making a difference in the Kingdom of God.
Perhaps more important, many who take short-term trips will return for longer mission service. Without the exposure of a short-term mission trip, many will not realise that God is calling them to mission work.
As you go forth to the mission field, may you embrace the words of William Care, the father of modern missions: "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."
Check out our Mission trips
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